Sinn Féin are committed to securing Ireland’s Nitrates Derogation and also improving our water-sources, the party’s Agriculture Spokesperson, Martin Kenny TD, has said.

Deputy Kenny said that the continuation of the failed approach of the current government would mean that the derogation’s days will be numbered, recalling that the derogation was further restricted this year because of the flawed review mechanism agreed by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.

Teachta Kenny said:

“Sinn Féin have always recognised the need to protect water sources and to do so in a way that allows our farming families to produce the top-quality food for which Ireland is renowned. We believe that with the right approach these objectives can both be met while maintaining Ireland’s derogation to the Nitrates Directive.

“However, it is imperative that government pursue a science-led, partnership approach with farmers and other stakeholders. Such an approach should utilise modern technology on farms and ensure that all other sources of water pollution are also tackled.

“The current government has already overseen the further restriction of the derogation because they agreed to a flawed review mechanism. It was Sinn Féin that challenged the government on this failure and the inaction of the Minister for Agriculture in advance of that review.

“The continuation of that approach will result in the end of Ireland’s derogation. That was the point I made to agri-journalists recently. This is no way suggests that we should throw in the towel or just accept the trajectory that the Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael/Green Party government have set. It reinforces the need for a change of government. Sinn Féin in government will protect and improve our water sources and Ireland’s family farmers, including defending the Nitrates Derogation.”